Steroid injection : Hi all. Having a flare if... - NRAS

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Steroid injection

Nellies47 profile image
28 Replies

Hi all.

Having a flare if autoimmune inflammatory arthritis for a few weeks.

My rheumatologist gave me a depo solumedron 120mgs im injection last Wednesday. Since this Tuesday (almost a week later) my joint pain is worse, mouth ulcers back and i have muscle pain, especially in my thighs.

Anyone else have this. Is it strange, i thought steroids would releive inflammation.

Thank you. Nelly

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28 Replies
sylvi profile image
sylvi

Sorry to hear the injection hasn't worked darling. I suggest you contact your rheumy todays asap. Hugs from me. xxxx

Nellies47 profile image
Nellies47 in reply to sylvi

thank you

helixhelix profile image
helixhelix

very individual as some peopleespond better than others. Sorry….

Nellies47 profile image
Nellies47 in reply to helixhelix

thank you

janmary profile image
janmary

I have needed 3 of these this year - have had a series ofbadflares .Depomedrone works like magic for me - for about 4 weeks

Sorry to hear you’re unwell - perhaps something else going on? Ask GP or rheum dept?

Pink75928 profile image
Pink75928

steroids usually work for me but on the odd occasion they haven’t. Get onto your rheumy. Sending gentle hugs x

Nellies47 profile image
Nellies47

thank you

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17

Sorry to hear this, when you needed relief. Steroid injections have always worked like magic for me. You could ask in future to try the other one they often give (Kenalog). General ones worked for me for 3-5 weeks and the ones into the joints for 6-10 months for me. Hope any future ones work better for you. 🙏🏻

Nellies47 profile image
Nellies47 in reply to Neonkittie17

Hi thank you

Gottarelax profile image
Gottarelax

When I had a Kenalog steroid injection it took a full 3 weeks to get any benefit. To be honest it wasn't the miracle that I'd hoped but it did make life more bearable.

Nellies47 profile image
Nellies47 in reply to Gottarelax

Hi thank you

pauluk60 profile image
pauluk60

well i have same trouble with injection been on steroid tabs for chest infection wow what a difference felt terrific (lot better) with them all aches pain down to manageable lot less stressed out only trouble is bp 180 bs double figures but seems worth it dont think i will be getting anymore from looks on docs face Nell use salt wash for ulcers bit stingy but works

Nellies47 profile image
Nellies47 in reply to pauluk60

hi thank you for that. I will try salt. 😮‍💨

pauluk60 profile image
pauluk60 in reply to Nellies47

nell try asking for tabs for pain (steroids}mite give you low dose worked for me i know there a bit dodgy but worth it for me

Nellies47 profile image
Nellies47 in reply to pauluk60

thank you

Otto11 profile image
Otto11

You could ask for a different injection next time. Years ago we were given them at most appointments but they stopped working for me so stopped having them a long time ago. I would let your Rheumy nurse know though & see if there an alternative x

Nellies47 profile image
Nellies47 in reply to Otto11

hi, thank you

DelicateInput profile image
DelicateInput in reply to Nellies47

I had one cortisone injection in the shoulder and it worked instantly. I could feel the cold liquid going in soothing the pain. It lasted for ten weeks.

I was allergic to oral prednisolone and it did not work.

There must be other substances you can try.

However, you can only have about four injections after which they don't work.

Good luck - I would ring the hospital and ask to speak to the person who gave you the injection.

Nellies47 profile image
Nellies47 in reply to DelicateInput

thank you

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels

I'm sorry you've had those reactions Nelly. I don't respond to general Depo-Medrone (methylprednisolone) either. One didn’t work at all, another I had one day's relief from a week later but it was one very productive day, as if I had the zoomies! You forget just how much we put up with on a daily basis, it was like I was a teen again. Kenalog (triamcinolone) I respond very well to, but only had those into specific joints not as a general steroid injection.

It sounds as though you've had a deferred reaction, a negative one in a similar way to my positive one. I'd make your Rheumy nurse aware, so it's recorded in your notes.

Nellies47 profile image
Nellies47 in reply to nomoreheels

Thank you

BonnieG123 profile image
BonnieG123

I had a steroid injection last fall that was heaven. I had another a month ago and blew up, BP went sky high and my facial rosacea which had been gone came back along with body pain. Thank God it was not an RA flare. They used a new steroid called Kenelog which I’m told is now being used in most osteo offices. I had to use a diuretic to get the fluids out of my body. Took two months for these symptoms to quiet down. Find out if you had Kenelog.

Nellies47 profile image
Nellies47 in reply to BonnieG123

Hi thank you. That sounds awful. Im feeling so awful, pain in elbows, wrists and hands, muscle pain, headaches, mouth ulcers too. Sorry to moan but im a bit fed up. Was hoping the injection would have helped.

BonnieG123 profile image
BonnieG123

that one that I had never gave me a minute of pain relief. Even though they said it would kick in in a couple of weeks. Wishing you the best.

Rupert2001 profile image
Rupert2001

Personally IM steroid injections never worked for me when I had a generalised flare up of my RA . If there is no improvement over the next few days, it might be best to contact your rheumatologist to let him know in case he/she wants to reassess you. I hope it settles soon. Xx

Nellies47 profile image
Nellies47 in reply to Rupert2001

thank you

Hannah-NRAS profile image
Hannah-NRAS

Hi Nellies47,

Unfortunately, it's not a one size fits all as you can see by everyone's responses. Sometimes your body just doesn't respond to the steroid and an alternative needs to be used. But as others have suggested, the sooner you make your rheumy team aware the sooner they can provide you some support.

You can also can also check out these articles which I hope will also help:

- nras.org.uk/resource/managi...

- nras.org.uk/resource/managi...

- nras.org.uk/resource/oral-h...

Also worth speaking to your local pharmacist as they may be able to suggest something to help with the mouth ulcers (e.g. bonjela or a mouth wash) other than as someone else has suggested, salt water wash.

I hope you find this information useful and wish you all the best. Should you require any additional information or support please contact our helpline on 0800 298 7650 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4.30pm) or email us at helpline@nras.org.uk

Best wishes,

Hannah - NRAS Information and support coordinator

Nellies47 profile image
Nellies47 in reply to Hannah-NRAS

Hi Hanna, thank you very much. This is very helpful. I have been through a lot if stress. Recently separated from my husband 😞....so that i know has impacted on my flares, also i def have muscle weakness in my arms and legs so this could be contributing to my pain. I spoke to rheumatologist and she is organising mri of elbows and knees and advised arcoxia again for now. Im trying to relax etc and pace myself too. Thank you again

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